The Science of Optimism and Hope: Research Essays in Honor of Martin E. P. Seligman (Laws of Life Symposia Series, V. 2)

Rating:
Summary: Better on Optimism than on Pessimism
Review: Dr. Seligman has become well known for his work on optimism (i.e., Learned Optimism). But this edited collection of essays and his Positive Psychology movement in general, do not show a very sophisticated understanding of psychological research and theory on pessimism. This edited volume can be compared directly with: Optimism & Pessimism: Implications for Theory, Research, and Practice, Edited by Edward C. Chang. I find Chang's book to be more scholarly, better balanced, and thus more informative. Unrealistic optimism is no adequate replacement for the authenticity of anxiety and worry or the adaptive value of constructive pessimism.

Rating:
Summary: Personal essays on optimism and hope
Review: Martin Seligman is really worth of this book. He speaks now about positive psychology after 100 years of negative psychology. Essential to positive psychology are concepts of optimism and hope. Without these human beings would have perished. Essays have been written by leading authorities in this area. Language is clear and the chapters can be understood by laymen. Health, family and therapy related research is discussed in the book. The style is quite free and personal comments are included. I recommend this book for those who have some basic knowledge in psychology.